Major changes have unfolded in recent months, yet our Spring Walkers know that a welltrodden path always leads to safe passage.
Twee kragtige boodskappe vergesel hierdie laaste uitgawe van die Old Boys-nuusblog vir 2025 – een ‘n terugblik en die ander ‘n kykie na die toekoms. Wanneer van ons dalk êrens by ‘n stranddorp of diep in die bosveld ‘n sondonnertjie geniet en oor PRG reflekteer, sal dit met ‘n gevoel van genoegdoening en tevredenheid wees oor wat bereik is – en oor wat nog voorlê!
Thank you, Nils Flaaten, for your tenure as chairman of the Old Boys Union. You showed us how to be custodians of the maroon machine with steady hands, holding the values of this school in place long after teachers rotate, parents move on, and seasons rise and fall. Thank you for embodying the living principles of gentlemanship and civility – qualities that shape the kind of men the world so urgently needs today.
Die nuwe bestuur het ‘n trotse skip geërf, met uitstekende roetekaarte tot hul beskikking vir die reis vorentoe. Ons wys julle hoe lyk die nuwe voorsitter, Dale Good (1993), en ondervoorsitter, Wouter Hugo du Toit (1999), en vertel julle wat ons van hulle weet.
There is also a not-to-be-missed videographed interview with Jannie de Villiers, the 17th rector of Paul Roos Gymnasium. Two schoolboys put him in the hot chair for a penetrating conversation. He comes across as a humble man with a wealth of wisdom and experience, promising to be fully present – body and mind. For anyone curious about the future of PRG and the man guiding it, this episode offers an engaging and inspiring introduction.
Daar is ook opwindende nuus oor ‘n houtvoetpad voor die skool wat die lewe vir fietsryers en voetgangers soveel veiliger gaan maak; ‘n filosofiese terugblik op vanjaar se Lenteloop; die mediasentrum wat ná vyf jaar goed gevestig is; en terugvoering oor die reünie van die Klas van 1980.
So, happy holiday reading! And if you’re still searching for Christmas gifts for the Paul Roosers in your life, don’t miss the special offer available. We look forward to your feedback on this issue.
Taking the helm now at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Old Boys’ Union are Dale Good (1993) and Wouter Hugo du Toit (1999), who were respectively elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman at the recent annual general meeting. Informed observers note that their appointment signals a renewed commitment to alumni stewardship, heritage preservation, and the enduring values of Maroon Pride.
Dale Good (PRG 1993) – Chairman
A proud son of Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Class of 1993, Dale Good assumes the chairmanship of the Old Boys Union with a deep sense of continuity and responsibility. His election reflects the trust of the alumni body in steady leadership rooted in tradition, and his role will be to guide engagement, strengthen ties between past and present Roosers, and ensure that the Union remains a dignified custodian of the school’s legacy. In Dale’s journey, the values of Semper Splendidior—always more splendid—shine through, reminding us that leadership is not only about progress but also about honoring the foundations laid by generations before.
Professionally, Dale has distinguished himself as founder and leader of GLS Supply Chain Equipment, established in 2007. For over 18 years, he has steered the company with a relentless pursuit of excellence in strategic sourcing and supply chain optimization. His team’s success rests on a profound understanding of logistics, where demand management strategies have consistently enhanced operational efficiencies. Under his leadership, GLS has cultivated an environment where innovation meets pragmatism, ensuring that solutions not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Dale’s academic foundation was honed at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he studied management information systems between 1995 and 1997. Endorsements on LinkedIn highlight his strengths in strategic planning, sourcing, and management—skills that have defined his professional journey and now enrich his stewardship of the OBU.
Wouter Hugo du Toit (PRG 1999) – Vice Chairman
A proud alumnus of Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Class of 1999, Wouter Hugo du Toit steps into the vice chairmanship of the Old Boys Union with entrepreneurial energy and a global outlook. His election reflects the OBU’s commitment to renewal, ensuring that alumni leadership remains dynamic and responsive to the challenges of modern community life. Wouter’s journey from Stellenbosch to national business leadership illustrates how the values of Maroon Pride continue to shape alumni who carry Paul Roos Gymnasium’s ethos into diverse fields.
Professionally, Wouter has built a distinguished career across agriculture, property, and media. As a director of DKI Fruit, he has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s agricultural exports, ensuring that local produce reaches international markets with integrity and sustainability. His leadership at DKI Prop reflects a commitment to responsible property development, balancing growth with community values. In addition, his involvement in Punch Media SA highlights his adaptability across industries, bringing creativity and innovation to the media and marketing landscape.
Wouter’s academic foundation was laid at Stellenbosch University, where he studied Law (LLB). His years at Paul Roos were marked by active participation in rugby, cricket, tennis, and golf, embodying the school’s holistic approach to education and personal development.
Die Paul Roos Old Boys Union het onlangs by sy jaarvergadering Dale Good (1993) as Voorsitter en Wouter Hugo du Toit (1999) as Ondervoorsitter verkies. Hierdie leierskap dui op ’n hernude verbintenis tot die bewaring van tradisie, die versterking van alumni-betrokkenheid en die voortgesette uitleef van Maroentrots. Good bring sy ervaring in strategie as stigter van GLS Supply Chain Equipment na die OBU, terwyl du Toit sy dinamiese loopbaan in landbou, eiendom en media waarskynlik sal aanwend om vernuwing en groei te bevorder.
At our AGM on Thursday, 6 November — a night of reflection and renewal — I was reminded of the timeless question asked by generations of Paul Roosers: what is the true purpose of the Old Boys Union? My answer is simple yet, profound: we are the custodians of the maroon machine. We are the steady hands that hold the values of this school in place long after teachers rotate, parents move on, and seasons rise and fall. These are not dusty traditions, but living principles of gentlemanship and civility that shape the kind of men the world so urgently needs today.
I believe wholeheartedly that the next generation of Paul Roosers is excelling on every front. Beyond the bold rugby headlines, they are Olympians, national swimmers, water polo champions, rowers, writers, academics, doctors, attorneys, innovators, and entrepreneurs — leaders in the making who will shape South Africa’s future. Our responsibility as Old Boys is not merely to celebrate this legacy, but to expand it, multiply it, and architect the future. In uncertain times, we must ensure that Paul Roos continues to produce leaders grounded in humanity, dignity, and the values that define a true gentleman.
Shifting Gears
In the past twelve months, the Old Boys Union has shifted gear — from spectators of the legacy to builders of the future. We have professionalised governance, modernised systems, and established structures with real accountability. Yet no Union can succeed without knowing its members, and much of our energy has gone into strengthening that foundation. Today we have 13,899 Old Boys on record, with 11,960 still alive, and in the past year alone we updated the occupations of more than 3,000 and linked company names for over 4,000. Even our LinkedIn page reflects this activity, with thousands of views each week, underscoring both the reach and responsibility of our network.
From this groundwork, tangible initiatives are already flowing. The publication of the Law List has enabled Old Boys in the legal profession to connect and support one another, and this model will soon extend to other sectors — beginning with accounting, pharmaceutical medicine, and engineering. These steps mark a decisive transition: we are no longer simply celebrating our heritage, but actively building platforms that empower Paul Roosers to lead, collaborate, and shape the future together.
Mobilise Globally
In recent months, we have strengthened the Union’s foundations by updating directorships, regularising Carum Pty Ltd — which provides property for teacher accommodation — and Welgevallen Wines Pty Ltd, trading for Markötter. We have opened proper bank accounts, implemented accounting systems, filed all required tax disclosures, and secured liquor licences for events such as the Mega Tent. One story stands out: many years ago, an Old Boy bequeathed his half share in a Strand property to the Union. That legacy became the seed capital for Carum Pty Ltd, enabling us to invest directly in accommodation for teachers and, in turn, support the next generation of Paul Roosers.
Beyond these structures, we have focused on global mobilisation. Through our renewed database, we now know where Old Boys reside across the world. This year we consolidated more than 40 WhatsApp groups into 30, which now serve as primary channels of communication — spanning the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Benelux countries, Germany, and Austria. Alongside this, LinkedIn has become a vital platform for engagement, connection, and mobilisation, ensuring that wherever Old Boys are, they remain part of the maroon machine.
Growing Structures
This year has shown how our scope and structures have expanded. The Rugby Committee remains a powerhouse, but we have added a Water Polo Committee under Justin Swart and a Golf Committee under Henny Walters, broadening Old Boys impact across multiple sporting codes. Each committee now operates with full financial independence and transparency, with profit and loss visible at the push of a button — a level of accountability never achieved before. Collaboration has also deepened: the Paul Roos 150 Trust, the Paul Roos Foundation, and Club 1000 have joined us at the table, aligning history, resources, and networks to strengthen our collective mission.
At the heart of it all, our Rugby Committee continues to embody identity, brotherhood, and belonging. Last year’s Captain’s Dinner at Markötter, attended by current and past Springboks, reminded us of the enduring spirit of Paul Roos rugby and the willingness of Old Boys to give back. I extend heartfelt thanks to Bles Kemp and his committee for their tireless dedication, and I also wish to acknowledge the guidance of the late Pieter Jan Bestbier, the open-door support of former Rector André van Staden, and the invaluable contributions of Elsa van der Walt, Leonie Nell, and Marike Powell-Taljaard. Their service has enriched our Union and ensured that the Old Boys office remains a place of connection and pride.
Our Renewal Moment
Through all of this, something vital has begun to shift: we are re-awakening a culture where Old Boys give back not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Giving is not a duty — it is a declaration that says, this place made me, and I will help make it again. This is our renewal moment, moving from nostalgia to purpose, from sentiment to substance, from memory to leadership. The role of the Old Boys Union is not simply to guard the past, but to activate it so that we can empower the future. My appeal to the new committee is clear: be unshakeable custodians of our legacy, protect it fiercely, and ensure every intervention is constructive and worthy of this institution. For the future we safeguard is nothing less than the next generation of Paul Roos leaders.
In ‘n brosjure oor die Paul Roos 150 Trust, wat hom beywer vir die behoud van die skool se tradisie van akademiese uitnemendheid vir toekomstige geslagte, word aangedui oor hoe die doelwitte bereik word deur die konsolidasie van fondse, die strategiese befondsing van sleutel-infrastruktuurprojekte en toesig oor die fonds met streng bestuursbeginsels, insluitend ‘n jaarlikse oudit. As ‘n nie-winsgewende organisasie is die Trust gemagtig om Artikel 18A-belastingsertifikate uit te reik, wat skenkers waardevolle belastingvoordele bied.
In die strewe na sy primêre doelwitte, naamlik die aanstelling en behoud van topvlak-opvoeders, die voorsiening van behuisingsgeleenthede vir onderwysers, veral in die lig van Stellenbosch se hoë eiendomskoste, en die voortdurende verbetering van akademiese infrastruktuur, het die Paul Roos 150 Trust oor die jare ‘n indrukwekkende portefeulje van projekte befonds. Klik hier vir volledige besonderhede.
A recently published brochure gives Old Boys and friends of Paul Roos Gymnasium an overview of the Paul Roos 150 Trust, which safeguards the school’s tradition of academic excellence for generations to come.
The Trust was born out of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2016, when it became clear that existing funds needed to be consolidated into one main endowment. Today, a Board of Trustees manages this fund with strict governance principles, including annual audits. As a registered non-profit, the Trust is authorised to issue Section 18A tax certificates for donations -personal, corporate, or testamentary – providing donors with valuable tax benefits. Expert guidance is also available for complex contributions such as trusts or in specie donations.
Why the Trust Matters
Paul Roos Gymnasium has been a beacon of academic and institutional excellence since its founding in 1866. Its alumni have gone on to lead in diverse sectors, making the school not only a pride of Stellenbosch but of South Africa as a whole.
The Trust’s primary objectives are clear:
Appointment and retention of outstanding teachers.
Provision of housing opportunities for staff, given Stellenbosch’s high property costs.
Maintenance and improvement of academic infrastructure.
Projects Already Funded
The Trust has already made a remarkable impact by supporting projects such as:
Installation of central air conditioning in classrooms and offices.
Upgrading the school’s generator to secure power supply across facilities.
Construction of a housing complex for staff, rector’s accommodation, and purchase of two homes in Die Boord for teachers and their families.
Establishment of the Arnold van Wyk Music Centre.
Creation of a store for branded school merchandise.
Equipping all science classrooms and laboratories in 2023.
Accelerated provision of online learning facilities to keep pace with technology.
Upgrading e-learning infrastructure.
Purchasing instruments to provide free trumpet and trombone lessons to talented primary school children in surrounding communities.
Opening of the Roosinbosch Cafeteria.
Expansion of classrooms in the LPR building, fitted with the latest technology.
Employment of a counselling psychologist to support learners, staff, and parents with study techniques, time management, motivation, anxiety, and other challenges.
A Call to Support
To sustain Paul Roos Gymnasium’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most prestigious boys’ schools, the Trust relies on the support and collaboration of all who share its vision. Together, we can ensure that the school’s proud tradition of excellence continues to flourish.
Vars nuus oor die opwindende Houtbrugprojek langs Suidwalweg voor Paul Roos Gimnasium, is dat die volle R600 000 wat daarvoor benodig is, suksesvol ingesamel is. Danksy ruim skenkings kan konstruksiewerk vroeg in die nuwe jaar begin, onder leiding van die Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF).
Met dié verbinding sal die huidige onderbreking in die stap – en fietspad oorbrug word en ’n veilige alternatief bied teenoor die gevaarlike verkeersvloei. Die projek is van groot belang vir skoliere, sowel as inwoners van die ouetehuise Utopia en Azaleahof, wat daagliks hier stap.
Die bruggie voltooi die wandel- en fietsroete tussen Die Boord en Mostertsdrift en sluit aan by ’n dekade lange transformasie van die Eersterivier in ’n omgewingsvriendelike en toeganklike gebied vir inwoners en toeriste.
Die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit het vroeër vanjaar die planne goedgekeur en onderneem om die bestaande paadjies aan te pas om by die houtpaadjie aan te sluit. Enige bome wat gedurende die konstruksie verwyder moet word, sal met inheemse spesies vervang word, met advies van Schalk van der Merwe.
Omdat geen voorsiening vir die beraamde koste – R548 500 vir konstruksie en R50 000 vir ingenieursdienste – uit die munisipaliteit se kapitaalbegroting gemaak kon word nie, is die projek as ’n gemeenskapsinisiatief gehanteer en is daar op skenkings van instansies en individue staatgemaak. Die munisipaliteit het wel onderneem om die toekomstige instandhouding van die bruggie uit sy bedryfsbegroting te hanteer.
STF se projekspan bestaan uit Ernst Gouws (STF), Frans van Niekerk (skole), Hans Heuer (bemarking), Jacques de Villiers (PRG Oud-Skoliere), Hugo Truter (kommunikasie), Lucas Louw (ingenieur, Bart Senekal Konsult Ing) en Dup Venter (sameroeper).
English Summary
The Stellenbosch Trail Fund has successfully raised the estimated R600,000 needed for the Boardwalk Project, an 80-metre wooden walkway along Suidwal Road at Paul Roos Gymnasium to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Construction will start early in the new year and will complete the riverside route between Die Boord and Mostertsdrift, benefiting school learners, retirement home residents, and the wider community. Approved by the Stellenbosch Municipality, the project will replace any removed trees with indigenous species, while day-to-day maintenance will be handled municipally. As the municipality has not budgeted for construction, the initiative relied on community donations, with contributions over R100,000 acknowledged by nameplate recognition.
Met hierdie collage kry die leser ’n goeie idee van die huidige situasie en hoe dit met ’n houtsypaadjie verbeter gaan word.
Nuwe geleenthede word soms of dalk meer dikwels deur teenspoed gebring. Skuins oorkant die koshuise het ‘n groot deel van die wal van die Eersterivier sowat twee jaar gelede ineengestort weens vloedwater. Na die wal en pad herstel is, was daar ruimte om nuwe bome aan te plant.
Dup Venter (1975) het begin borge soek om ‘n aantal wildeolyfbome aan te plant daar en binne ‘n kort tydperk het ‘n paar Old Boys die boompies geborg wat in September vanjaar aangeplant is.
Die boompies sal versorg word deur die Stellenbosch Trail Fund, wat al die afgelope paar jaar baie bome langs die Eersterivier aangeplant het.
Kan ‘n mens twee keer op dieselfde kluite en klippers trap? Indien jy nie jou oë oopmaak en jou oogklappe skuif nie, is dit seker moontlik. Party van ons het eers met die tweede stap raakgesien dat daar meer Rooielse as Geelhoute op die Geelhoutroete is.
Geen twee stappe is dieselfde nie. Vanjaar se Lenteloop op 18 Oktober was nie ‘n uitsondering nie.
Namate mens iets onder die knie kry, behoort dit mos makliker te gaan. Maar vir sommiges wat al aanstap in stappe word die opstap, eiegen-aard-ig genoeg, egter makliker en die afstrap moeiliker. Die nuweling wat op sy ‘moedersknieg saamgestap’ het, sal dalk eers met verloop van tyd, wanneer hy homself op foto’s herken, onthou dat hy in 2025 ‘n gedeelte van die Geelhout gestap het sonder om op ‘n klip te trap.
Die twee roetes (Geelhout en Sosys) was hopelik vir al die saamstappers nie net nog ‘n roetine nie, maar ‘n nuwe roete. Vir sommige ‘n nuwe ou roete.
Paul Roos Old Boy Louis Heynemann (1970) has retired after 25 years as Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). Appointed in 2000, Heynemann took the reins at a critical moment when the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra and Capab Orchestra had just been liquidated. With his background as a music journalist, editor, and arts administrator, he steered the newly formed CPO through turbulent times, ensuring financial stability while maintaining artistic excellence. Under his leadership, the orchestra grew into one of Africa’s leading ensembles, performing symphonic concerts, opera, ballet, and cross-genre collaborations.
Heynemann’s tenure was marked by resilience and vision. He pioneered youth training initiatives, established academies to nurture future musicians, and built bridges between classical traditions and diverse audiences. His commitment ensured that salaries were paid even in lean years, and his innovative business models secured the orchestra’s sustainability. A farewell concert, Louis’ Legacy, held in December 2025, celebrated his immense contribution to South African music. The CPO now stands as a thriving institution, a testament to Heynemann’s stewardship and the enduring impact of a Paul Roos alumnus who dedicated his career to cultural excellence.
Paul Roos Gymnasium’s 17th rector, Jannie de Villiers, recently sat down with Beyond the Roos for a wide-ranging conversation. In this final episode hosted by Nicholas Nieman and Adam Meintjes, viewers get a glimpse of the man behind the title—his journey from a farm near Ermelo to leading one of South Africa’s most storied schools.
De Villiers shares light-hearted insights in the quick-fire section: his favourite holiday spot is the Kruger National Park, his last impulsive buy was a pair of running shoes, and if a movie were made about his life, he’d want Robin Williams to play him. He also opens up about his love of music, theatre, and sport, and the importance of balance in life. He met his wife while studying at university, and regards them as a team; together they have two children who grew up mainly in Cape Town, which is why he wanted to return to the area where his support base of family and friends is strongest.
The interview traces his career path from Swellendam Hoërskool to Bishops, Oakhill in Knysna, and the Diocesan School for Girls, before arriving at PRG. He reflects on the demanding selection process, the high expectations of the PRG community, and his vision for education—especially the responsibility of schools to give boys both adventure and the heart to make a difference in society.
What stands out most is his humility: he tells learners he has come to serve, to learn, and to understand. With patience for his early blind spots, he promises to be fully present—body and mind. For anyone curious about the future of PRG and the man guiding it, this episode offers an engaging and inspiring introduction.
Die J.F. Marais Mediasentrum was in 2025 ’n lewende biblioteek en ’n spilpunt van idees vir Paul Roos Gimnasium. As verlengstuk van die klaskamer bied dit aan graad 8- en 9-leerders mediaklasse wat hul horisonne verbreeds, met temas soos woordeboeke, biografieë, mitologie, klassieke literatuur en selfs boeke geskryf deur PR- oudleerlinge. Hierdie programme, tesame met lesse oor plagiaat en internetgeloofwaardigheid, rus leerders toe met die vaardighede en integriteit wat nodig is vir toekomstige navorsing en akademiese sukses.
Met ’n boekdatabasis van 3 200 items, verhoogde uitleensyfers en ’n dinamiese versameling wat deur ’n wenslys-stelsel aangevul word, het die Sentrum sy rol as ’n intellektuele en kulturele spilpunt bevestig.
In the heart of Paul Roos Gymnasium, the J.F. Marais Media Centre continues to hum with quiet purpose. It is more than a room of bookshelves and study tables—it is a sanctuary of ideas, a place where learners discover new worlds, sharpen their minds, and nurture a culture of excellence that stretches far beyond the classroom.
September 2025 marks another year in which the Media Centre has fulfilled its mission: to be a source of knowledge, support, and inspiration in the pursuit of academic and cultural achievement.
Broadening Horizons Through Curriculum Support
For every Grade 8 and 9 learner, the Media Centre has become an extension of the classroom. Media lessons are woven into their programme, offering not only practical skills but also a chance to explore genres and topics outside their traditional subjects.
The “Let’s Read…” series has been a cornerstone of this initiative, guiding learners through:
Dictionaries as tools of precision and clarity
Biographies that bring human stories to life
Mythology with its timeless lessons and archetypes
Classic Literature that anchors them in the canon of world writing
Old Boys Literature, a proud celebration of works authored by PRG alumni
These lessons are complemented by sessions on plagiarism and internet credibility, ensuring that learners are prepared for the rigours of future research and study.
A Culture of Reading: The 1-Book Challenge
The 1-Book Challenge has become a rite of passage for Grade 8 and 9 learners, each signing a contract to read at least one book during the year. For some, this challenge has sparked a lifelong habit. For others, it has ignited a passion that far exceeds the minimum.
In 2025, eleven learners signed more than ten contracts, proving that the appetite for reading is alive and well at PRG. The year’s Top Readers stand as shining examples:
Jan-Bernard van Wyk (Gr9: 39 books)
Alexis Peters (Gr9: 38 books)
Nico Caine (Gr8: 35 books)
Their achievements are not just numbers—they are stories of curiosity, discipline, and joy in discovery.
Circulation on the Rise
The numbers tell their own story. Book circulation in 2025 showed a marked increase compared to 2024, reflecting the growing appreciation for reading among learners:
Category
2025
2024
Fiction
1311
1209
Non-Fiction
704
615
This upward trend is a testament to the Media Centre’s evolving role as a hub of intellectual engagement.
A Collection That Evolves With Its Readers
The Media Centre’s book database now holds 3,200 stock items, carefully curated to reflect the preferences and needs of learners and staff. A wish-list QR code allows the community to request new titles, ensuring the collection remains relevant and dynamic.
Books that no longer serve the PRG community are “weeded” out, but not discarded. In the spirit of social responsibility, they are donated to schools and nursing homes, extending the gift of reading beyond the walls of Paul Roos.
Media Monitors: Guardians of the Centre
Behind the smooth running of the Media Centre are the media monitors—learners who dedicate their time to assisting peers during breaks and after school. Their service is both practical and symbolic, embodying the values of responsibility and stewardship.
This year, the Centre bid farewell to two of its longest-serving monitors: Philip Ham, Head Media Monitor, and Joshua Ewins. Both have served since the Centre’s inception in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and leadership.
A Hub of Events and Activity
The Media Centre is not only a place for reading and study. It is a venue for gatherings, debates, and celebrations. In 2024, it hosted a wide range of events:
Meetings: 150 Trust, PRG/JSE Investment Committee, Old Boys Committee, Sport Committees, Matric Dance Committee, Goethe Institute, Book Clubs
Special Functions: Old Boy reunions, Academic Olympiads, Staff workshops
Chess Team: Coaching and tournaments
Learner Activities: Goethe exams, Filmit recordings, assignment research, debating rehearsals, tutoring, and media centre tasks
Each event added to the Centre’s identity as a living, breathing hub of intellectual and cultural life.
Closing Reflection
The J.F. Marais Media Centre has once again proven itself to be more than a library. It is a place where heritage meets innovation, where learners are guided not only by the wisdom of books but by the spirit of Paul Roos Gymnasium itself.
In 2025, its growth and achievements remind us that the pursuit of knowledge is never static: it is a journey, one that continues to inspire learners, staff, and Old Boys alike.
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your parents or children who once walked the halls of Paul Roos Gymnasium? In 2016, the school proudly celebrated 150 years of excellence with a beautifully crafted commemorative book. This exclusive volume captures the rich history, traditions, and achievements that shaped generations of Paul Roos learners.
A limited number of these treasured books are still available – a timeless keepsake that will make any Paul Roos old boy or parent beam with pride. Choose between a classic hardcover or a luxurious leather edition (limited stock available). Give the gift of heritage this Christmas and secure a piece of Paul Roos history for your loved ones.
Email your completed order form to Elza Van der Walt at 150trust@paulroos.co.za. Bank details will be shared via WhatsApp once your order is received.
Op soek na die ideale Kersgeskenk vir u ouers of kinders wat hul skooljare by Paul Roos Gimnasium deurgebring het? In 2016 het die skool sy 150 jaar van uitnemendheid gevier met ’n pragtige gedenkboek. Hierdie eksklusiewe uitgawe bied ’n kosbare blik op die geskiedenis, tradisies en prestasies wat geslagte Paul Roos-leerlinge gevorm het.
Slegs ’n beperkte aantal van hierdie waardevolle boeke is nog beskikbaar – ’n tydlose geskenk wat enige Paul Roos-ouer of oud-leerling met trots sal koester. Kies tussen ’n klassieke hardeband of ’n luukse leeromslag (beperkte voorraad beskikbaar). Gee hierdie Kersfees die geskenk van erfenis en verseker ’n stukkie Paul Roos-geskiedenis vir u geliefdes.
E-pos: Stuur u voltooide bestelvorm aan Elza Van der Walt by 150trust@paulroos.co.za. Bankbesonderhede sal per WhatsApp gedeel word sodra u bestelling ontvang is.
Agter van links staan Jan van Wyk, rector Jannie de Villiers, Bennie Stander, Jeff Wedgewood, Christiaan Jonker, Deon van Eeden, Charl kershoff, Rob Reinecke, Tertius Carinus, Graham Rosendorff, Pieter Dempers, Hans H, Christo Kilian, Gerhard Giliomee en Marius Roux. Sittende is Fanie Viviers, Kim Lord, Connie de Beer, Michael Dipaola, Steve Cilliers, Arnaud Malan en Ferdi Krige. Heel voor op die vloer is Johan Loubser en Christo Rust.
Vanjaar was dit 45 jaar sedert ons 1980 matriekgroep vir die laaste keer ons skoolklere uitgetrek het. Dit voel soos gister wat Sparks ons laat bloed sweet het (en maniere geleer het!), Bom Booysen en mnr de Vries die hel uit ons geslaan het en tant Fith so hard probeer het om liefde vir lees by ons te kweek.
Dit is seker nie vreemd dat daar op ‘n 45 jaar reünie maar redelik min gepraat is oor wat oor die afgelope 45 jaar in elkeen se lewens gebeur het, daar was baie meer gesels oor ons skooldae en wat daar beplan word vir die toekoms. Party van ons het al afgetree en dalk ‘n motorfiets of aftreeplek gekoop, ander is weer bittereinders, wat verkies om nog vir jare dieselfde werkspad te bly loop. Ou vriendskapbande is weer gesmee, tot met sommige wat ons OSU al lankal as “deceased” gemerk het!
Baie dankie vir klasmaat Marius Roux, wat ons gasheer was op sy plaas Somerbosch. Dankie ook aan ons nuwe rector, Jannie de Villiers, wat met ons kom praat het oor ons skool se onlangse prestasies (verstommend!) en uitdagings.
Dit was interessant om te hoor hoe leerlinge deesdae gekeur word om ‘n graad 8 plek te bekom by Paul Roos. Net een uit ses aansoekers is suksesvol (1 500 aansoeke jaarliks vir ‘n maksimum van 250 plekke) en die gevoel was dat as die keuring so streng was vir 1976 se PRG inname, baie min van ons vandag hier as oud Paul Roosers sou gestaan het!
Oor vyf jaar is dit ons groot halfeeu reünie en dit beloof om ‘n groot geleentheid te wees. Ons hoop is om weer baie van julle daar te sien. Volg gerus ons Facebook groep (Paul Roos 1980 Matrix) en WhatsApp groep tot ons weer sien.
Gerhard Gilomee (1980)
Soos in die ou dae word daar aandagtig geluister as die rektor praat.
Bouwer van Niekerk, ’n oud-Paul Rooser en seun van prof Anton van Niekerk, is onlangs in Johannesburg vermoor in wat owerhede as ’n doelbewuste sluipmoord beskryf. Sy dood het groot opslae gemaak en die regsgemeenskap diep geskok.
Bouwer, ’n gesiene prokureur in die veld van insolvensie en herstrukturering, is in September 2025 in sy kantoor in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, doodgeskiet. Volgens die polisie was dit ’n berekende aanval: niks is gesteel nie, en die moord het plaasgevind terwyl hy aan hoëprofiel-sake gewerk het, onder meer ’n groot insolvensiesaak wat aan ’n beweerde Ponzi-skema gekoppel is. Sy dood herinner aan die gewelddadige moorde op Cloete Murray en sy seun Thomas, wat ook die regsgemeenskap geruk het.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Vereniging vir Herstrukturering en Insolvensiepraktisyns (SARIPA) het hul “diepste skok en verontwaardiging” uitgespreek en die aanval as ’n direkte aanslag op die regstelsel beskryf. Hulle het beklemtoon dat professionele mense hul werk sonder vrees of intimidasie moet kan doen. Verskeie leiers, insluitend die minister van justisie, het die moord veroordeel en ’n dringende ondersoek geëis. Bouwer se nalatenskap as ’n etiese, toegewyde regsman sal onthou word, en sy dood laat ’n groot leemte – nie net in die regsgemeenskap nie, maar ook onder sy oudskoolmaats en die breër Paul Roos-netwerk.
Sy tragiese heengaan plaas ’n skerp lig op die kwesbaarheid van regspraktisyns wat korrupsie en georganiseerde misdaad trotseer. Vir die Paul Roos-gemeenskap is dit ’n oomblik van rou en herinnering: ’n oudleerling wat sy loopbaan aan regverdigheid gewy het, het sy lewe verloor omdat hy sy werk met integriteit gedoen het.
